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The NWSL is expanding to Columbus, Ohio, with a new team set to debut in 2028. The team, currently referred to as Columbus NWSL 2028, will reveal its official name and branding in the future.
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COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 21: NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman speaks with Whitney Haslam following a press conference to announce a new NWSL team in Columbus at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on April 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images
The NWSL is once again expanding, this time the league is heading to Ohio where Columbus NWSL 2028 will take the field. Of course, Columbus NWSL 2028 is a placeholder for now and the the new team will unveil its name, crest, and uniform to build an identity around as it approaches its first season.
News of the club was announced yesterday, though this has been in the works for some time, in a press conference. Team owners, the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, spoke about what they hope the club will bring to Columbus and womenâs soccer more broadly.
âOur family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,â said Haslam Sports Group Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson. âWe believe in the power of womenâs sports and are humbled to be part of the number one womenâs soccer league in the world.â
Nationwide insurance has been a corporate partner in both NWSL and MLS for years and now joins an ownership group deepening those ties. âTodayâs announcement is about inspiring young athletes across Central Ohio, elevating womenâs professional sports and reminding the world that Columbus is a first-class sports city,â said Kirt Walker, Nationwide Chief Executive Officer. âAs Nationwide marks 100 years, this is a powerful way to celebrate our milestone with the community that has been our home from the very beginning.â
The new NWSL team in Columbus is set to begin play in 2028.
The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.
The expansion to Columbus marks the addition of the 18th team in the NWSL, highlighting the growth and investment in women's soccer.

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The Edwards family has deep roots in the Columbus soccer scene with Dr. Pete Edwards serving as team doctor for the Crew in 1996 and the family joining the teamâs ownership in 2019 during the Save The Crew effort. âColumbus is very important to our family. For over 30 years, weâve supported the Columbus Crew and MLS. Weâve seen how a menâs professional soccer team has brought people together and created a positive impact in our community. Itâs truly special to now welcome an NWSL club and the incredible women athletes who will also uplift our city on and off the pitch,â said Dr. Christine Edwards. âWeâre very excited to partner with Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide for NWSL Columbus 2028, and we canât wait to share even more memorable moments with fans, especially during the Clubâs first game at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.â
The NWSL has continued its expansion with the announcement and the team will join Atlanta in its inaugural season in two years.